During the next several years, the AMT field is expected to grow at a rate of 5 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We are honored to be recognized by Delta Air Lines and join them in partnership to provide aviation education opportunities here in Solano County,” said Dr. Celia Esposito-Noy, Solano Community College president, in a press statement. “Our faculty are stellar and our students will benefit greatly from their knowledge and experience, in addition to having direct access to a major airline. This truly fulfills our mission on multiple levels.”

The partnership was initiated by Dean Maire Morinec and the program faculty, Kevin Spoelstra and Brooks “Rusty” Mayes.

The agreement between Solano and Delta will give SCC students who have successfully completed one year of training the chance to meet with airline employees, and provide graduates who have passed the AMT exam better opportunities for employment with Delta.

The airline will, in turn, provide SCC students with scrap aircraft and avionics parts and assist with program marketing efforts.

Solano’s proximity to the Delta repair station at San Francisco International Airport and Travis Air Force Base makes the college a prime partner for the airline, according to SCC’s statement. Departing military aviation technicians can enroll in Solano’s program and pave their pathway to a career in airline technology.

“Career opportunities are readily available for those who meet prerequisites and are proactive in taking the actions required to begin their new careers in aviation maintenance while at the same time, allowing Delta Air Lines to continue experiencing its successes,” said Joe McDermott, Delta’s managing director, in the press statement. “The schools have already demonstrated they have set high standards for themselves and for their students. The expectation is not only to maintain those standards, but through this partnership, work together to increase participation, continually improve curriculum, safety programs, quality programs, etc. in line with needs of the aviation industry. Expectation is also to reach out further and with the help of Delta, better educate the public of opportunities in the aviation maintenance field.”

To become a partner, colleges had to complete a questionnaire and host a Delta audit team that evaluated the program’s facilities, instructors, professionalism of students, classroom discipline, safety, community involvement and curriculum.

Only 38 schools across the country were accepted into two-year partnerships that will automatically renew for successive one-year periods until either party asks to terminate the agreement with the airline.

For more information on the AMT program, visit www.solano.edu/business/aeronautics.php.